Atlanta Downtown Connector. Source: Wikimedia commons

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is going to suspend construction-related lane closures to help ease heavy traffic during the July 4th holiday weekend.

Construction lane closures on interstates and major highways will pause from 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2nd until 5 a.m. Monday, July 6.

“We expect heavy holiday traffic across the state as people head to celebratory parades, barbecues and fireworks,” GDOT Director of Construction Jeff Baker is quoted as saying in a press release. “By restricting lane closures, we hope this will enable motorists to travel with fewer delays and less stress.”

GDOT says work crews may still be out, so be careful around any work zones you may see. GDOT said last year during the July 4th weekend, 14 people died from crashes on Georgia roadways. It’s highlighting its Drive Alert. Arrive Alive campaign, which warns drivers to avoid talking and texting and focus on the road.

Here’s the full press release from GDOT:

ATLANTA – To ease 4^th of July holiday weekend traffic congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures on interstate and major state system highways beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and extending until 5 a.m., Monday, July 6.

“We expect heavy holiday traffic across the state as people head to celebratory parades, barbecues and fireworks,” said GDOT Director of Construction Jeff Baker. “By restricting lane closures, we hope this will enable motorists to travel with fewer delays and less stress.”

The Department reminds motorists that work crews may still be working in proximity to highways; and safety concerns may require some long-term lane closures to remain in place.  Also, incident management or emergency maintenance-related lane closures could become necessary at any time on any route. Whenever you approach a work zone: slow down; allow extra distance between vehicles; read signs; obey road crew flaggers; and expect the unexpected. 

Safety is always a primary concern and this year GDOT is calling special attention to a significant increase in fatalities compared to last year. During the 2014 Fourth of July weekend, 14 people died from crashes on Georgia roadways. GDOT‘s Drive Alert Arrive Alive campaign implores drivers to buckle up; stay off the phone and no texting; and drive alert. Focus on driving.

In the event of a crash or breakdown, pull off the road if possible and turn on your emergency flashers. Otherwise remain seat belted in the vehicle – never get out of the car on a freeway, unless your life is in imminent danger.

For updated information about travel conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, Georgia DOT advises travelers to call 511 before getting on the road. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays. Callers can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Metro Atlanta, you can also request HERO assistance by calling 511. More information is available at www.511ga.org.